The 14 Best Beaches in Goa, India

[social_warfare]

If you’re looking for a unique travel destination this year, then Goa is the place to be. This tiny state on the western coast of India presents a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures because of the centuries it spent under Portuguese rule.

Thousands of tourists come to check out the best beaches in Goa every year, as well as for its distinct architecture, beautiful churches, great food, and much more.

If you are heading to India, and are interested in finding the best Goa beaches, then this guide it for you!

The 14 Best Beaches in Goa

Goa has everything a beach lover could possibly want. There are large, tourist beaches where multitudes of people spend the whole night partying. There are also smaller hippie hangouts that are quieter and more out of the way.

Whether you like surfing the waves or relaxing in the sun, you’ll find everything right here. Here is some of what Goa, India has to offer.

1. Anjuna Beach

Flickr Credit: dodir

Anjuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches for tourists in Goa. At one time, it was known as a popular hippie hangout. Although this is no longer the case, it’s fun-loving, laid back vibe still remains.

This beach is well-known for its night time trance parties. There are also flea markets on the beach every Wednesday where you can purchase products you’ll only find in India. Also, make you check out the beachside restaurant Curlie’s where you can get some good food and hear great music.

2. Agonda Beach

Flickr Credit: Aleksandr Zykov

This is the perfect beach for people who just want to relax in the sun. It’s quieter than some of the more popular beaches in Goa and has a very romantic atmosphere overall.

At the same time, it’s not too far removed from civilization. There are still a number of restaurants and souvenir stalls in close proximity to the beach. You can also stay in a hut while you’re there. Some of these are a lot more luxurious than you might expect.

3. Palolem Beach

Flickr Credit: Claudia Loughran

On the other hand, Palolem Beach is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. This is because of its calm waters and beautiful white sands. Despite its popularity, the beach is relatively unspoiled. You won’t find any man-made buildings here aside from a few huts for tourists.

Palolem Beach is also known for it thriving nightlife. Make sure to check out its silent discos. Those who want to party can do so while wearing wireless headphones without disturbing the tranquility of the beach.

4. Patnem Beach

Flickr Credit: Ben Beiske

Patnem Beach could be considered a quieter, more relaxing alternative to the nearby Palolem Beach. Unlike Palolem, which is only ten minutes away, Patnem Beach is simply a great place to chill out and go for a swim. It’s a great place to be if you want to be close to the more action-oriented Palolem, but you don’t want to deal with the crowds of people.

Patnem Beach is also a great choice if you’re interested in yoga. There are a couple of well-known yoga retreats to choose from. If you’ve ever wanted to try this relaxing activity beside the ocean, this is your chance.

5. Calangute Beach

Flickr Credit: Ian Cochrane

Also known as “the Queen of Beaches” Calangute Beach is possibly the most famous beach in all of Goa. Great crowds of people come here to admire its astounding beauty while taking part in water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and water-skiing.

Calangute Beach also has an extremely lively nightlife. There are a host of bars and pubs by the beach that come to life once the sun goes down. On top of this, the beach is also close to many resorts, restaurants, and other famous Goan attractions.

6. Baga Beach

Flickr Credit: Harshit Kapoor

Like Calangute, Baga Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Goa. In fact, the two beaches are located right next to each other, and it can be difficult to tell where one ends and the next begins.

Baga Beach offers many of the same qualities that has made Calangute so popular, such as water sports, relaxing in the sun, and an intense nightlife. However, it tends to be somewhat less crowded overall. It’s also the home of Tito’s night club, one of the most famous party spots in the state.

7. Arambol Beach

Flickr Credit: Claudia Loughran

As opposed to some of the more popular tourist beaches, Arambol is considered to have more of a bohemian vibe. In fact, it’s been called the capital of hippie culture in Goa. If you enjoy activities such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi, then this is the beach for you.

Instead of the loud partying you’ll see in the clubs at other beaches, Amarbol’s nightlife is more likely to consist of drum circles and jam sessions. Water sports such as paragliding are also popular here.

8. Mandrem Beach

Flickr Credit: darrensbradley

Mandrem is a small, quiet beach that’s great for relaxing and getting away from it all. A number of colorful beach huts can be found on its white sands. You can stay in one of these, or you can stay in one of the many resorts surrounding the beach. It’s also within easy walking distance of Arambol Beach.

Mandrem is also well-known for its wildlife. There’s a good chance you’ll spot some Oliver Ridley turtles or white-bellied eagles while you’re there.

9. Colva Beach

Flickr Credit: Captain Maybe

Colva Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Goa, especially among the locals. It’s a well-developed region because of its popularity and has scores of hotels, restaurants, bars, and anything else a person could possibly ask for. This is a good beach to choose if you really want to experience Indian culture because of its popularity with the local Indians.

On top of this, Colva Beach is also close to many of Goa’s other major attractions. It is only a few minutes away from Our Lady of Mercy Church, which is a beautiful church that absolutely must be seen while you’re in Goa.

10. Vagator Beach

Flickr Credit: Anirban Dutta

Vagator Beach is split into two sections, Big Vagator in the north and Little Vagator in the south. At this beach, you get the best of both worlds. It’s a great place to relax in the daytime and one of Goa’s most intense party zones at night. The Hill Top is possibly the most popular rave spot in the state.

Also, make sure to check out the carving of Lord Shiva’s face in one of the rocks while you’re there. It’s a truly incredible sculpture that can be found in one of the more peaceful areas of the beach.

11. Benaulim Beach

Flickr Credit: Beach romx

Benaulim Beach is a largely undiscovered stretch of beach that’s great for relaxing. It’s a good spot for people who enjoy water sports but aren’t interested in some of the other beaches’ party atmosphere. Activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and snorkeling are popular here.

This beach is also known for its marine life. There’s a good chance you see some dolphins playing in the water. It’s also close to the Church of St. John the Baptist, along with a number of art galleries and jewelry shops. You might even decide to see some bullfighting while you’re there.

12. Cola Beach

Flickr Credit: Anne Roberts

Perhaps more than any other beach on this list, Cola Beach is a truly private and secluded area. Located just north of Agonda Beach, it’s one of the few unspoiled areas remaining in Goa. This is the place to go if you really want to escape civilization and reconnect with nature.

In addition to being close to the ocean, Cola Beach also has its own fresh water lagoon. You can also stay in one of the twelve tents lining the beach. These tents are made in the style of the old Rajasthani kings. This means you’ll be living in rustic luxury during your trip.

13. Candolim Beach

Flickr Credit: Ananda Matthur

If you’re a bit older, then Candolim Beach might be the place for you. This is because it’s a popular spot for foreign retirees. Along with the usual water sports, fishing is also a popular activity here. Overall, Candolim Beach provides a good middle ground as it’s not too small and not too crowded.

On the other hand, Candolim Beach is also the site of the annual Sunburn Festival, a popular, three-day electronic dance festival. It also has a thriving nightlife thanks to clubs like SinQ.

14. Butterfly Beach

Flickr Credit: Philipp

Butterfly Beach is another one of the more unspoiled beaches in Goa. This is partially because of the difficulty in reaching it. The only way to get there is to take a boat from Agonda or Palolem. However, those who decide to go there will more or less have the beach to themselves.

Butterfly Beach is also teeming with wildlife. It gets its name from the many species of butterfly who live here. It’s also a good place to spot dolphins, gold fish, crabs, and sea urchins. Furthermore, this beach has among the most beautiful sunsets in all of Goa.

These are a few of the amazing beaches that Goa has to offer. If you love to be on the beach, then this is a vacation you can’t afford to miss. Start booking your trip today, and you’ll be having fun in the sun in no time.